The Blaine Lake Skating Rink, built in 1955, serves as home ice for the Blaine Lake Raiders senior hockey team, the Blaine Lake Jacks recreational team and youth teams from Muskeg Lake Cree Nation. (Image Credit: Blaine Lake Community Association)

By Kenneth Cheung

2026 Kraft Hockeyville

Blaine Lake takes early lead in Hockeyville race, eyes $250K national prize

Mar 18, 2026 | 6:01 AM

Blaine Lake is heading into the next voting period of a national contest with a lead and a shot at something bigger.

The small Saskatchewan town has been named the province’s winner in the 2026 Kraft Hockeyville contest, securing $50,000 for upgrades to its skating rink and a chance to advance to the national finals.

“We are thrilled that we’re able to win at Saskatchewan,” said the town’s Chief Administrative Officer Jim Puffalt.

“And with the Saskatchewan spirit, we think Canada is within our reach, and so we’re going to go hard.”

Blaine Lake is one of 13 communities across the country selected as part of the program’s expanded format in its 20th year – a change designed to ensure representation from every region while nearly tripling the overall prize pool.

2026 Kraft Hockeyville

Blaine Lake takes early lead in Hockeyville race, eyes $250K national prize

2h ago

Go big or go home

Local high schools vying for spot in HOOPLA at regionals this weekend

17h ago

CRIME

Former Battleford CAO arrested in Bangladesh in international homicide case

21h ago

Each provincial and territorial winner receives funding for arena upgrades, along with additional support in new hockey equipment aimed at helping more kids get on the ice.

The next milestone comes March 21, when two finalists will be announced. From there, Canadians will vote to decide the winner, with the top prize set at $250,000 in arena funding and the chance to host an NHL pre-season game.

(Image Credit: hockeyville.kraftheinz.com)

Blaine Lake’s push began when council moved quickly to get involved in the newly expanded program.

Outreach began Feb. 11, connecting with local groups including the Blaine Lake Community Association, senior hockey club, the school and Muskeg Lake Cree Nation to promote the campaign and encourage residents to share stories – a key part of how communities are evaluated in the contest.

“And fortunately, everybody got on side right away,” Puffalt said. “We had just, we think, an amazing result.”

Those stories describe what the rink has meant to them over the decades.

“Well, it’s pretty much the only thing going in the wintertime. It’s the hub of everything,” said Mayor Tom Mayer.

Built in 1955 and maintained through several renovations, the rink continues to draw players from surrounding communities, even without artificial ice.

“We were hoping to get some of this money to go for artificial ice if we win, which would extend our year a lot more,” Mayer said.

While the $50,000 prize offers an immediate boost, Puffalt sees it as a starting point for something larger.

“I think it’s just the start for Blaine Lake,” he said. “We think it’s a great opportunity to talk about fundraising and artificial ice and how we go forward.”

As the next round approaches, the village is planning a “hamburger day” at the rink this Saturday, a chance to thank residents and watch the announcement together.

For Mayer, the speed and scale of the response still stand out.

“It’s amazing,” he said. “In such a short period of time, how many people come on board.”

Public voting has not yet opened. Should Blaine Lake advance to the final, supporters can vote April 3 and 4 at KraftHockeyville.ca.

—

Kenneth.Cheung@pattisonmedia.com